VIENNA, Va. – August 6, 2015 – On Wednesday, June 10th, 2015, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) recognized Dean F. Kappel by presenting him with the Association’s 2015 Excellence in Leadership Award. This award is generously sponsored by the Nathan Sallop Insurance Agency. This national award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in leadership through outstanding management achievements and/or innovative practices in the organ procurement field. Kappel was presented with this award at AOPO’s 32nd Annual Meeting.

In front of a crowd of nearly 900 meeting attendees in Phoenix, AOPO President Kent Holloway announced that, “There is no question this individual [Kappel] has dedicated a lifetime of service on behalf of those who give, those who grieve and those who wait for the precious gift of life and health.” Mr. Kappel is known across the industry as a visionary who takes intelligent risks, and many of his ideas have influenced OPOs nationwide.

Dean F. Kappel currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mid-America Transplant Services, an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) serving eastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and northeast Arkansas.